Chemical Control

Chemical control is the most common approach to managing bed bug infestations. However, relying on insecticides alone might require a greater amount of the product, which can lead to insecticide resistance. In addition, labels prohibit the use of insecticides on some bed bug-preferred areas, such as mattresses and couches, because people may come into direct contact with the chemical. Also, insecticides cannot be applied to fabric items such as sheets, pillows, blankets, and clothes.
IPM programs, especially those that combine chemical and mechanical approaches, are effective to control bed bugs. For example, some companies that use whole room heat treatment recommend insecticide application in places where bed bugs would walk and rest to avoid re-infestations. Other companies use insecticides on resting areas (such as bed frames, box springs, inside empty dressers, and cracks) in combination with vacuuming and steam (on beds and couches).
Approximately 300 products in the following categories are registered to control bed bugs.